Ann Arbor's Fleetwood Diner wants to replace run-down sign

A 43-year-old diner in downtown Ann Arbor wants to replace its aging sign.

Fleetwood Diner, located on the southwest corner of West Liberty and South Ashley streets, submitted a request to Ann Arbor’s Historic District Commission to replace the sign on the front of the restaurant building.

The application says the current sign, made out of wood, is in “very bad condition” and a new sign would “improve visibility for (the) business and patrons.”

The Fleetwood Diner was founded in 1971 when Mark Hodesh purchased the building, formerly the Dagwood Diner.

The building is a non-contributing structure in the Main Street Historic District, the plans say. Plans will be reviewed by the HDC.

The existing sign on the building is white with green lettering, with faded red Coca-Cola symbols on both sides of the lettering. A rendering for the new sign shows slightly different red lettering. There would still be two Coca-Cola symbols on the new sign, along with a red arrow pointing down to the restaurant.

The new sign was designed by Chalou Designs.

Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for The Ann Arbor News. Reach her at 734-255-2638, email her lizzyalfs@mlive.com or follow her on Twitter.